Being an on-demand driver is a stressful job. Founded in Sydney, Splend aims to making life easier for ride-share drivers, providing them with eco-friendly, affordable cars as well as support and insurance to help them earn more, improve their ratings, and enjoy their jobs more.
The Australian-founded company has relocated its HQ to London and opened a comprehensive support centre for the 90,000 drivers working in the capital for apps like Uber, Bolt, Kapten and ViaVan.
More than just a car supplier, Splend provides resources and a community for drivers. Splend’s new driver hub, a 2,300 square metre facility in Cricklewood, enables members to collect their cars, catch up with their personal account manager, sign up for insurance, receive analytics and advanced driver training, and join community events.
“Ride-sharing can be a tough gig,” said Chris King, CEO and founder. “Splend exists to help drivers succeed by making sure on-demand driving works for them – not the other way around.
“Splend has grown quickly and established a reputation as innovators in the industry – and this is reflected in the high calibre of the staff that we’re attracting. The UK, which is home to over 250,000 ride-share drivers, is the ideal base for us to continue our global expansion. The investment we’ve made in the new HQ and driver hub marks a significant milestone in our journey to support ride-share drivers all around the world.”
As part of its UK launch, Splend has made a series of senior hires. David Moggs has been appointed CTO, joining from Argos, whilst Gizem Akyil moves from Deliveroo to become Splend’s Head of Expansion, and UK Country Manager Justin Patterson joins from Addison Lee.
The company has also partnered with London-based insurtech Zego to insure its UK fleet, with the cover based on telematics and priced by the mile. Both companies will also share data, using insights on driver behaviour to promote safe driving.